ABOUT THE PROJECT
LOGLINE
Amidst presidential rants and blaring TV news, the outrageously inspiring story of counterculture icon, proto-punk-superstar, and radical lover, Tuli Kupferberg, narrated by Thurston Moore and Tuli Kupferberg!
SYNOPSIS
TULI TULI TULI is a film on joy and dissent. Sarcastic, funny, outrageous and spontaneous. This is the story of Tuli Kupferberg, the beloved poet, rock star, radical pacifist, and cultural icon who has inspired generations.
Opening with a montage of contemporary news clips, the film draws a striking parallel between Tuli’s life, the history of social dissent, and the current state of the world. From the revolutionary movement of the 30s to the vibrant bohemianism of the East Village, the birth of protest rock with his influential band, the Fugs, the youth and anti-war movements and the rise of Media activism, Tuli’s story continues to mock our present reality.
As audacious and subversive as its subject, TULI TULI TULI defies classification by blending documentary and mockumentary styles with original footage transformed into a dynamic and thought-provoking commentary. Narrated by musician and poet, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), and brought to life through captivating puppetry scenes based on a previously unreleased extensive interview with Tuli, the film offers an intimate and unprecedented glimpse into his iconic legacy and revolutionary teachings.
Set in the vibrant NYC streets and Famous Ben’s pizza joint in SoHo, Tuli’s daughter Samara and an ad-libbed wacky parade of local figures punctuate the film. These lively skits and engaging discussions shed light on Tuli’s enduring influence, creating a captivating anthology of moments.
TULI TULI TULI is a playful and politically charged essay-doc, providing an unapologetic insight into the free-wheeling mind of an insanely influential yet overlooked icon of American counterculture. Beyond a traditional biography, the film urges us to embrace small utopias and use joy as an act of rebellion.
PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature
DIRECTOR David Liver
SCREENWRITER David Liver
PRODUCER François Combin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Samara Kupferberg, Edgar Seligman
assistant producers Jessica Wolfson, Paul Lovelace
CO-PRODUCER Thomas Burstyn
WEBSITE thetulimovie.com
FACEBOOK Facebook Page
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